Medical Compression Device

ABSTRACT

A device is provided that aids in the medical compression process. One example of such a device is a medical compression device that can be added to medical machinery, such as the Hologic® Multicare Prone Biopsy table or a Hologic® upright biopsy table/system. The device can be configured to be placed into and partially through an “operating window” of a compression paddle component used in the biopsy table. The device advantageously does not require modification of the biopsy table or modification of the compression paddle/guide for use.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/285,377 filed Oct. 31, 2011 which claims the benefit of priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/536,890 filed Sep. 20, 2011,the entirety of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain medical procedures can cause many unwanted side effects. Forexample, bleeding with the development of a hematoma after minimallyinvasive breast biopsies performed with stereotactic guidance can have asignificant negative impact on patient satisfaction and may complicateand delay definitive post procedure care.

For example, large post biopsy hematomas can distort regional breastanatomy at the biopsy site and lead to significant delays of up to sixweeks in performing lumpectomy for biopsy proven small breast cancersdue to distortion and displacement of the tumor site. Large or painfulpost biopsy hematomas can also lead to reluctance in patients to undergofuture medical interventions including recommended breast biopsies.Furthermore, post procedure hematomas may also increase post biopsyinfection rates and, for some patients, the pain and delay in treatmentmay alter negatively the relief that a curable cancer was accuratelydiagnosed with the biopsy.

Currently, a breast biopsy may be performed by medical personnel using avariety of different modalities employing ultrasound, MRI orstereotactic guidance. For example, medical personnel may use amachine-operated unit to perform the biopsy using digital X-ray andstereotactic targeting techniques followed by manual compression of thebiopsy site to prevent bleeding and hematoma formation.

One example of such a unit is the Hologic® MultiCare Prone Biopsy tableor a Hologic® upright biopsy table/system. With the prone biopsy table,a patient lies prone on the biopsy table with her breast pendulant thrua hole in the table. Medical personnel may then target and perform abreast biopsy and other related procedures. Typically, a medicaltechnologist or nurse will then apply manual compression to the biopsysite of the patient as part of a medical procedure to limit bleeding andhematoma development.

Currently, manual compression after biopsies requires valuable medicaltechnologist or nursing time averaging 10 to 15 minutes per case and upto 40 minutes in more difficult cases if persistent bleeding is noted orthe patient is on “blood thinners”/anticoagulant therapy. The degree,effectiveness, and duration of manual compression are variable amongmedical personnel potentially leading to bleeding and hematomaformation.

Hematomas are difficult to control once they have evolved and henceearly effective compression preventing hematomas from developing isdesirable.

There is thus an opportunity to improve the existing technology,especially with respect to medical manual compression procedures.

In certain example embodiments, a device is provided that aids in themedical compression process. One example of such a device is a medicalcompression device that can be added to medical machinery, such as theHologic® Multicare Prone Biopsy table, for example. The device can beconfigured to be placed into and partially through an “operating window”of a compression paddle component used in the biopsy table. The deviceadvantageously does not require modification of the biopsy table ormodification of the compression paddle/guide for use.

In another example embodiment, the medical compression device can beaffixed to the “operating window” of the compression paddle component byusing a latch design to fasten the device to the paddle. The medicalcompression device may also be affixed to the “operating window” withoutthe use of latches also. For example, the medical compression device mayhave a grooved portion that is configured to allow the device to beaffixed to the “operating window” of the compression paddle without theuse of latches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages may be better and morecompletely understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionof exemplary illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the drawings,of which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example embodiment of a biopsy tableusing a medical compression device;

FIG. 2 a is an exploded view of a diagram of an example embodiment ofthe medical compression device used in the biopsy table;

FIG. 2 b is an exploded view of another diagram of an example embodimentof the medical compression device used in the biopsy table;

FIG. 2 c shows another exploded view of a diagram of an exampleembodiment of another medical compression device used in the biopsytable;

FIG. 2 d depicts a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of themedical compression device used in the biopsy table;

FIGS. 3 a-1 and 3 a-2 are diagrams of an example embodiment of a medicalcompression device;

FIGS. 3 b-1 and 3 b-2 are diagrams of an example embodiment of themedical compression device using an example interchangeable facecomponent;

FIG. 3 c is a diagram of another example embodiment of the medicalcompression device using the example interchangeable face component;

FIGS. 3 d-1 and 3 d-2 are further diagrams of another example embodimentof the medical compression device having a large flat face;

FIG. 4 a is a diagram of an example embodiment of the medicalcompression device without latches;

FIG. 4 b is a diagram of another example embodiment of the medicalcompression device without latches;

FIG. 5 shows an example embodiment of an application flowchart for usingthe medical device;

FIG. 6 a is a diagram showing the medical compression device with theapplication of a covering component; and

FIG. 6 b is a diagram showing an example embodiment of the medicalcompression device in the biopsy table with the covering componentapplied to the medical compression device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation andnon-limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularnodes, functional entities, techniques, protocols, standards, etc. inorder to provide an understanding of the described technology. It willbe apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments may bepracticed apart from the specific details described below. In otherinstances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, devices,techniques, etc., are omitted so as not to obscure the description withunnecessary detail. Individual function blocks are shown in the figures.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functions of thoseblocks may be implemented using individual hardware circuits, usingsoftware programs and data in conjunction with a suitably programmedmicroprocessor or general purpose computer, using applications specificintegrated circuitry (ASIC), and/or using one or more digital signalprocessors (DSPs). The software program instructions and data may bestored on non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and when theinstructions are executed by a computer or other suitable processorcontrol, the computer or processor performs the functions. Althoughdatabases may be depicted as tables below, other formats (includingrelational databases, object-based models and/or distributed databases)may be used to store and manipulate data.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described orclaimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may beconfigured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence ororder of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneouslydespite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously(e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover,the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does notimply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations andmodifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process orany of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not implythat the illustrated process is preferred. A description of a process isa description of an apparatus for performing the process. The apparatusthat performs the process may include, e.g., at least one processor andthose input devices and output devices that are appropriate to performthe process.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingdata (e.g., sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, datamay be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over any typeof transmission medium (e.g., wire, wireless, optical, etc.); (iii)formatted and/or transmitted according to numerous formats, standards orprotocols, such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth, andTCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, 3G, etc.; and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy orprevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

The technology described herein improves upon the existing medicaltechnology, especially with respect to compression procedures. Inparticular, the technology described herein can reduce human error byproviding effective, constant, and durable compressive force onpost-biopsy sites.

Current manual compression is susceptible to predictable user error. Inparticular, users often apply inconsistent pressure of less than optimalduration and force due to user fatigue. For example, the Hologic® pronebiopsy table design and patient orientation requires the medicalpersonnel to apply pressure on the biopsy site while they are seatedwith their arms above their heads. One can appreciate that this is adifficult position to maintain even if only for ten to fifteen minutes,but is especially tiring in cases with difficult to control bleedingsites requiring compression for twenty or more minutes. Likewise, manualcompression of thick dense breasts or sites deep within the breast isalso physically demanding and prone to diminished optimal pressureapplied over time due to user fatigue.

The technology described herein aids users of this equipment byimproving the compression techniques. For example, the designcharacteristics of the medical compression device offer several contoursto focus optimal pressure on biopsy sites depending on the location ofthe biopsy site in the posterior, mid, or anterior breast.

One example design is a slanted or “off-set” design surface contour thatis reversible in its attachment to the compression paddle. The “off-set”design option allows for centered compression on biopsy sites at theposterior-most locations reachable by the stereotactic table.Alternatively, when reversed, the “off-set” design stabilizes themid-breast area to allow for pressure on anterior sites close to thenipple of the breast, for example.

Another example design involves a smaller focus contour design. With thesmaller focus contour design, a modified half-sphere is used that allowsfor more optimal focused pressure in the mid or deep breast and for moreoptimal focused compression in patient's with dense or thick breasts.

Yet another example design involves a flat surface. Using the flatsurface, a larger, less focused field of compression can be applied ifmore than one biopsy site is to be compressed simultaneously. It shouldbe appreciated that the faces of the medical compression device may beinterchangeable or may be manufactured as a single, whole component. Forexample, the medical compression device may be assembled so that threeor more different devices are available as single, whole units, eachhaving different faces, as mentioned above.

Although actual dimensions for the medical compression device are notdiscussed in detail in this specification, certain images showingvarious dimensions of the device are available in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/536,890 to which this application claimspriority. All images and descriptions discussed therein are herebyincorporated by reference. Of course, the medical compression device isin no way limited to any dimensions shown in Application No. 61/536,890and the medical compression device can be designed/configured to have avariety of different dimensions.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an example embodiment of a medical system 1using medical machinery that incorporates the present technology. Thesystem 1 has a table 100 that, for example, a patient may lie on while aprocedure is being performed on the patient. The system 1 also hasmedical equipment 200 that performs medical procedures on the patient.

The medical equipment 200 has a controller 201, a motion control device202, a compression paddle 203, and a compression plate 204. Thecontroller 201 can operate the medical equipment 200. For example, thecontroller 201 can move the compression paddle 203 closer to or fartherfrom the compression plate 204 by directing the motion control device202 as to where to move. The controller 201 can be configured to haveone or more processors, one or more memories, one or more input/outputdevices, and/or one or more networking components.

Although not limited to this embodiment, the compression paddle 203utilizes a medical compression device 300. As explained further below,the medical compression device 300 can be affixed to the paddle 203 in avariety of ways.

FIG. 2 a shows an image of an exploded view of an example embodiment ofthe medical compression device 300 used in paddle 203. In this view, themedical compression device 300 has a base portion 301 and a frontsurface 302. Also shown in this image is a removable portion 303.Although not limited to this embodiment, the removable portion 303 canbe a half-sphere shape and can be attached to/removed from the frontsurface 302 by using magnets, for example.

The compression device 300 provides one advantage of allowing theoperator to focus the compression technique on a particular area of thepatient's anatomy. As discussed further below, different compressiondevices 300 having different front surfaces 302 can be used dependingupon the nature of the medical procedure and/or the patient's anatomy.It should also be appreciated that the device 300 can be configured tofit any size of paddle 203 and is not limited to the paddle 203 shown inthese examples.

FIG. 2 b depicts another image of an exploded view of an exampleembodiment of the medical compression device 300 used in the paddle 203.In this example, a view of the back of the paddle 203 is shown. As canbe better seen in this image, the paddle 203 has a window 203 a thatallows a user to better operate the paddle 203. In certain applications,the window 203 a may be filled with a component, such as a plastic facefor allowing the user to view the patient's anatomy being compressed.

In FIG. 2 b, the window 203 a is configured to use the medicalcompression device 300. In this view, the medical compression device 300has a back surface 304 that is configured to use latches 305 a and 305b. It should be appreciated that this configuration is not limited tousing two latches and can use any number of latches. Likewise, thedevice 300 can be affixed to the paddle 203 without using latches. Itshould also be appreciated that the back surface 304 can have contoursand/or grooves to allow the device to be affixed to a paddle 203 thatmay have a non-uniform rectangular window 203 a. That is, should thewindow 203 a have a metallic edge extending from a top of the window 203a, the back surface 304 can be designed with a special groove to fitwithin the edge extending from the top of the window 203 a.

Here, the latches 305 a, 305 b overlap a portion of the paddle 203 sothat the weight of the device 300 pulls the device forward but is heldin place by the secured latches 305 a, 305 b on the back surface 304 ofthe base portion 301. That is, the latches 305 a, 305 b fasten thedevice 300 to the paddle 203 by overlapping portions of the paddle 203and the device 300 so that the device 300 will not fall out of thewindow 203 a.

Also shown in FIG. 2 b is a notch portion 310. It should be appreciatedthat the window 203 a of the paddle 203 may not be entirely uniform inarea (i.e. a perfect square). That is, the window may have portions that“jut” out and make it difficult to affix the device 300 to the window.In that event, the device 300 can be configured to have the notchportion 310 so that the device 300 will still fit uniform in the window203 a. Of course, this is a modification of the device 300 and thedevice 300 can be configured in any manner that allows it to be affixedto the window 203 a of the paddle 203.

FIG. 2 c shows a diagram of another example embodiment of a view of theback surface of the medical compression device 300 in the paddle 203.This diagram shows the medical compression device 300 without the use ofthe latches 305 a, 305 b. Here, the device 300 is configured to use anattachment portion 307 and the attachment portion 307 is secured aroundthe surface of the back side of the paddle 203. As explained furtherbelow, the device 300 can attach to the paddle 203 without using latchesby having grooves in the device 300 for sitting in the window 203 a ofthe paddle 203.

FIG. 2 d shows a diagram of a cross-sectional view of the device 300 inthe paddle 203. As can be seen in FIG. 2 d, the device 300 has grooves(explained further below) that allow the device 300 to sit within thewindow 203 a of the paddle 203. In an example embodiment, the attachmentportion 307 will be smaller in width than the base portion 301 butlarger in width and/or area than the window 203 a so that the device cansecurely fit within the window 203 a. A user can, for example, angle thedevice 300 so that the attachment portion 307 can be inserted into thewindow 203 a and the device 300 will essentially sit in the window 203 aby having the paddle 203 fill the grooves in the device, as can be seenin FIG. 2 d.

FIGS. 3 a-1 and 3 a-2 depict diagrams showing a certain exampleembodiment of the medical compression device 300. In FIGS. 3 a-1 and 3a-2, both the front surface 302 and the back surface 304 are shownthereby showing both the front and back views of the device 300. As seenpreviously in FIG. 2 b, this embodiment of the device 300 has latches305 a, 305 b on the back surface 304 for connecting the device 300 tothe paddle 203.

In the example shown in FIG. 3 a-1, the front surface 302 is anon-interchangeable, contoured surface. For example, the front surface302 can be characterized as an “off-set” or “slanted” compressioncontour. Such a design can be useful because it allows for centeredcompression on biopsy sites at the posterior-most locations reachable bya stereotactic table. This design may also be inserted in differentpositions into the window 203 a. That is, the device 300 may be insertedsuch that the contoured portion is at the top, bottom, left, or right asit is used in the compression process. Of course, the design is one ofmany ways in which the front surface 302 of the device 300 can beconfigured.

FIGS. 3 b-1 and 3 b-2 show another diagram of another example embodimentof the medical compression device 300. The example shown in FIG. 3 balso has latches 305 a, 305 b on the back surface 304 of the baseportion 301. In this example, the front surface 302 is configured tohave an interchangeable portion 303 that can be attached to/removed fromthe front surface 302. The attachment/removal of such a portion can beaccomplished using magnets, for example.

The front surface 302 and the interchangeable portion 303 can bedescribed as a smaller focus contour portion, having a modifiedhalf-sphere, for example. Such a design can be advantageous in that itcan allow for optimal, more focused pressure in the mid or deep breastregion, for example. The design can also allow for more optimal, focusedcompression in a patient with dense or thick breasts.

FIG. 3 c shows another diagram of another example embodiment of themedical compression device 300. FIG. 3 c shows the configuration of thedevice 300 as shown in FIG. 3 b, but with the interchangeable portion303 being removed from the front surface 302 of the device 300. Asexplained above, the interchangeable portion 303 can connect to thefront surface 302 by using magnets 302 a and 303 a affixed to the frontsurface 302 and the interchangeable portion 303, respectively.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 3 c, the device 300 can be usedwithout the interchangeable portion 303 thereby leaving a relativelyflat front surface 302 used for compression. For example, a disc-shapedcomponent having magnets attached to it, for example, can be connectedto the front surface 302 forming a unified, flat surface on the device300. Using a relatively flat front surface 302 can be advantageous inthat a larger, less focused field of compression can be applied if morethan one biopsy site is to be compressed simultaneously.

FIGS. 3 d-1 and 3 d-2 show example diagrams of the device 300 having thelarge, flat front surface. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 d-1 and 3 d-2, thefront surface 302 is a large, flat front surface that encompasses muchof the area of the base portion 301. As explained above, using arelatively flat front surface 302 can be advantageous in that a larger,less focused field of compression can be applied if more than one biopsysite is to be compressed simultaneously. As also explained above, thedevice 300 using modified half-sphere surface can also act as a large,flat front surface by removing the half-sphere component and/orreplacing the half-sphere component with a component to fill the regionholding the half sphere (e.g., with a disc portion having magnets). Thedevice 300 in FIGS. 3 d-1 and 3 d-2 are shown with the latchless designhaving the attachment portion 307 instead of the latches 305 a, 305 b.It should be appreciated that the device 300 is in no way limited to theabove-mentioned surfaces and can have any form of surface for performingcompression.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show example diagrams of a medical compression device300 designed without latches 305 a, 305 b. Similar to the device 300shown in FIGS. 3 b and 3 c, the device 300 has an interchangeableportion 303, a front surface 302, and a base portion 301. The device 300in this embodiment also has an attachment portion 307.

The attachment portion 307 can be configured to have a grooved portion307 a and a mounting portion 307 b. In this way, the device 300 canconnect to the paddle 203 without using any latches 305 a, 305 b. Forexample, the device 300 can be inserted into the window 203 a of thepaddle 203 so that the grooved portion 307 a will rest on the paddle 203as the device 300 sits in the window 203 a. In that way, the mountingportion 307 b, which can be designed so that it is larger in area thanthe window 203 a, will securely hold the device 300 in the paddle 203 asthe mounting portion 307 b will not allow the device 300 to fall fromthe paddle 203. The mounting portion 307 b holds the device 300 in placein a similar manner as if the latches 305 a, 305 b were being usedinstead of the attachment portion 307.

FIG. 4 b shows an example diagram similar to the latch less design shownin FIG. 4 a. The device 300 in FIG. 4 b has a front surface 302 (similarto the front surface 302 shown in FIG. 3 a) and a base portion 301. Thefront surface 302 can be characterized as a contoured front surface, forexample.

In FIG. 4 b, connected to the base portion 301 is the attachment portion307. The attachment portion 307 has a grooved portion 307 a and amounting portion 307 b. In this way, the device 300 can connect to thepaddle 203 without using any latches 305 a, 305 b. For example, thedevice 300 can be inserted into the window 203 a of the paddle 203 sothat the grooved portion 307 a will rest on the paddle 203 as the device300 sits in the window 203 a. In that way, the mounting portion 307 b,which can be designed so that it is larger in area than the window 203a, will securely hold the device 300 in the paddle 203 as the mountingportion 307 b will not allow the device 300 to fall from the paddle 203.The mounting portion 307 b holds the device 300 in place in a similarmanner as if the latches 305 a, 305 b were being used instead of theattachment portion 307.

FIG. 5 shows an example embodiment of an application flowchart for usingthe medical compression device 300 in the medical system 1. It should beappreciated that the process described is not limited to the order ofsteps described but can be performed in a variety of different orders.

The process begins in step S1 where a user can apply a cover to thedevice 300. In a preferred embodiment, the cover will be a form of asterile covering 400 for the device 300. The sterile covering 400 andits application, is discussed further below.

After applying the cover to the device 300, the process proceeds to stepS2 where a user can attach the device 300 to the paddle 203. Asexplained above, the device 300 can be attached to the paddle 203 in avariety of ways. In one embodiment, latches 305 a, 305 b can be used tosecure the device 300 to the paddle 203. In another embodiment, theattachment portion 307 can be used to secure the device 300 to thepaddle 203. It should be appreciated that other methods of attaching thedevice 300 to the paddle 203 are possible and should not be limited tothe above-mentioned embodiments.

After the device 300 is attached to the paddle 203, a piece of gauzeand/or dressing can be placed on the biopsy site of the patient in stepS3. The compression surface of the device 300 is then centered on thebiopsy site in step S4. The centering of the compression surface can beaccomplished using the controller 201, for example.

After the device is centered, the process proceeds to step S5 where thecompression device 300 is applied against the biopsy site. Thecompression device 300 will remain against the biopsy site (step S6)until compression time is complete. Although not limited to thisexample, compression time may average 10 to 12 minutes but may beextended as clinically warranted. By advantageously applying thecompression using the device 300, the operator can perform other taskssuch as cleaning the room and turning it over to the next patient. Itshould be noted however, that patients should be monitored while theapplication of the device 300 is occurring and any medical personnelshould not leave the patient unattended during the use of the device300.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show diagrams of another example embodiment of themedical compression device 300. In FIG. 6 a, a covering component 400 isused to cover the medical compression device 300. In a preferredembodiment, the covering component 400 is a sterile covering that wrapsaround, and covers the device 300 while the device 300 is being used.Although not limited to this embodiment, the sterile covering component400 can be made of a plastic material and can be coated with materialsto ensure further sterile use of the device 300. For example, an alcoholbased coating or an anti-bacterial based coating can be applied to thecovering component 400 to ensure that the covering component 400 remainscompletely sterile.

It should be appreciated that the device 300 will be used before,during, or after a medical procedure and the application of a sterilecovering 400 can be key to ensuring the repetitive use of the device300. That is, the medical personnel can see a first patient after abiopsy procedure, for example. The medical personnel can use anyvariation of the device 300 as mentioned above by first applying asterile covering 400 to the device 300, and then affixing the device 300in the paddle 203. After applying compression to the biopsy site, themedical personnel can remove the device 300 from the paddle 203 andchange the sterile covering 400 with a new, clean sterile covering 400.This allows the medical personnel to continually use the device 300without having to clean the device 300 or send the device 300 to anotherfacility for cleaning/sterilizing. It should be appreciated that thecovering component 400 is not limited to a sterile covering and can beany form of covering. For example, the covering component 400 could alsobe a cover for transporting or storing the device 300.

FIG. 6 b shows a diagram of an example embodiment of the device 300 inthe paddle 203 using the covering component 400. As explained above, asterile covering component 400 is advantageous in that it allows themedical personnel to simply replace a used component 400 with a new,clean component 400 so that the personnel can continually andrepetitively use the device 300. It should be appreciated that thesterile covering 400 can simply wrap around the device 300 or can befirmly secured around the device 300 using adhesive to essentially closethe covering 400 around the device 300. Of course, the sterile covering400 is in no way limited to these examples and can be affixed to thedevice 300 in a variety of ways.

In an ideal case, the medical compression device will use a sterilecovering that is approved by the owner/manufacturer of the medicalcompression device. Given the current state of medical technology, it isunlikely that the medical compression device will ever be used without asterile covering. However, should the state of medical technologyadvance to the point where a sterile covering is unnecessary, themedical compression device described herein can then also be usedwithout a sterile covering.

While the technology has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,it is to be understood that the technology is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

1. A breast-compression device used in a medical procedure, thebreast-compression device comprising: a front surface portion adapted toabut a breast of a patient, directly or indirectly, and cause the breastto compress; a base portion supporting the front surface; and one ormore latches adapted to releasably attach at least the base portion to apaddle, the one or more latches being located proximate a back side ofthe base portion for releasably attaching the breast-compression deviceto the paddle.
 2. The breast-compression device according to claim 1,wherein the device is inserted into a window in the paddle and securedto the paddle by positioning the one or more latches such that at leastone of the one or more latches overlaps both the window and a part ofthe paddle.
 3. The breast-compression device according to claim 1,wherein the front surface portion has a contoured surface.
 4. Thebreast-compression device according to claim 1, wherein the frontsurface portion is a substantially flat portion.
 5. Thebreast-compression device according to claim 1, further comprising aninterchangeable portion that is configured to connect to the frontsurface portion.
 6. The breast-compression device according to claim 5,further comprising: a first connection device configured to connect tothe front surface portion; and a second connection device configured toconnect to the interchangeable portion, wherein the interchangeableportion connects to the front surface portion by connecting the firstconnection device to the second connection device.
 7. Thebreast-compression device according to claim 5, wherein theinterchangeable portion is a modified half-sphere shaped portion.
 8. Asterile covering configured to be affixed to the breast-compressiondevice of claim
 1. 9. A device used in a medical procedure, comprising:a front surface portion; a base portion; and a connection portionconfigured to connect to a back surface portion of the base portion, theconnection portion securing the device to a paddle.
 10. The deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the connection portion further comprises:a grooved portion; and a mounting portion, the grooved portion locatedbetween the mounting portion and a point at which the connection portionconnects to the back surface portion of the base portion.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein the device is inserted into a window inthe paddle and secured to the paddle by affixing the grooved portion sothat at least a portion of the mounting portion overlaps both the windowand a part of the paddle.
 12. The device according to claim 9, whereinthe front surface portion has a contoured surface.
 13. The deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the front surface portion is asubstantially flat portion.
 14. The device according to claim 9, furthercomprising an interchangeable portion that is configured to connect tothe front surface portion.
 15. The device according to claim 14, furthercomprising: a first connection device configured to connect to the frontsurface portion; and a second connection device configured to connect tothe interchangeable portion, wherein the interchangeable portionconnects to the front surface portion by connecting the first connectiondevice to the second connection device.
 16. The device according toclaim 14, wherein the interchangeable portion is a half-sphere shapedportion.
 17. A medical system, comprising: a controller having one ormore processors; a paddle having an operating window; a compressionplate; a paddle moving unit configured to move the paddle away/towardsthe compression plate; a breast-compression device for use in a medicalprocedure, the breast-compression device configured to connect to thepaddle by inserting the breast-compression device through the operatingwindow of the paddle; and a sterile covering configured to be affixed tothe breast-compression device.
 18. The medical system of claim 17,wherein the compression device comprises: a front surface portion; abase portion; and one or more latches configured to connect to a backsurface portion of the base portion, the one or more latches securingthe compression device to the paddle.
 19. The medical system of claim17, wherein the compression device comprises: a front surface portion; abase portion; and a connection portion configured to connect to a backsurface portion of the base portion, the connection portion securing thecompression device to the paddle.
 20. The medical system of claim 19,wherein the connection portion further comprises: a grooved portion; anda mounting portion, the grooved portion located between the mountingportion and a point at which the connection portion connects to the backsurface portion of the base portion.